Library program promotes science, creativity

Children can play games this summer in Northbrook classes

May 20, 2013|By Aimee Y. Chen, Special to the Tribune

Amy Yoon, 3, plays with puppets at the Northbrook Public Library on May 15. In the library's revamped game-day program, she will learn to experiment with scientific projects using constructive toys that the library is collecting. (Aimee Y. Chen, Photo for the Tribune)

Northbrook Public Library's summer program has been revised to promote children's creativity and as part of the effort is asking for donations of constructive toys.

"Game Outside the Box" is for children of all ages interested in science, technology, engineering and math, said Summer Kosuge, who is in charge of the new program. It will focus on one subject at a time, providing children time for hands-on experience in making their own projects.

"We're not outwardly pushing the science behind it. We're more like letting them play with it," said Amy Holcomb, a librarian organizing the program.

Children will get to use the library's new technology, including Macintosh computers and a 3-D printer, but they'll also have options of "getting dirty," Holcomb said.

"It's a good mix between high tech versus low tech," she said. "The concept is to experiment and come to your own conclusion rather than following a formula."

Kosuge said she expects about 40 children in each class.

Helene Gussin, a mother of three, said she loves the idea and will bring her children to try it out. She said her children participated in various summer programs for years because they learned more than building Lego towers.

"One thing that's helping is that they have to share," she said. "This is almost like reinforcement at school because you have the educational aspect, but also you have the social aspect."

Sofia Dobrin, 37, regularly takes her three daughters to the library for books and toys. She said the new program could open doors for children.

"I think it's great to have children create things at a young age because it fosters creativity," she said. "In terms of creating things, boys tend to be drawn to that more, so if girls are more exposed to that, I think it'll expose them to pursue other creative pursuits."

The library is accepting Legos, Dominos, Tinker Toys and any constructive type of toys until June 15. Toys can be dropped off at the Youth Services Desk on the second floor or in the library lobby.